George was born in Burns Lake, B.C. to C. Lewis and Jean Watson of Topley B.C. George lived in Topley all his life. His dad C. Lewis Watson started Topley Garage Ltd. in 1947 when George was 10 years old and George pumped gas and drove taxi at an early age. His dad suffered a stroke in 1969 and was unable to continue with the business. The original building burned down in September of 1970 at which time George and wife Pauline rebuilt and operated the garage together.
George was diagnosed with kidney cancer in January of 2007 after numerous health problems. He had the diseased kidney removed in May of 2007 but the cancer had already spread to the bones. He handled his painful disease with dignity and humour up to the end.
George came home from the Smithers hospital on April 28th, 2008 on his 46th wedding anniversary via helicopter!! This trip was the perfect gift! Highland Helicopters and pilot Pat Rooney gave a great tour and a stop on Tachek Mountain where George has spent his childhood in the summers and only missed hiking up there last year because of illness. This trip was thought up and organized by friends, implemented by Hospice Palliative Care Program of Smithers, Highland Helicopters and Pat Rooney.
Special thanks to George Windsor, Vivian Eftodie, Frank and Dianne Strimbold, Rolf Johnson and physiotherapist Susanne Watson. Thanks also to the many friends, relatives and neighbours who were so supportive during George’s illness over the past 18 months.
George’s family and friends were impressed by all the help provided by Houston Hospice Society, Hospice Palliative Care Program of Smithers, Smithers Homecare and the Community Cancer Services program. These programs made it possible for George to stay at home and be cared for by family with aids such as special beds, lifts, slings, wheelchairs and nursing care.
Your donations to the Houston Hospice Society, Smithers Homecare and Cancer Society do count and are being spent in assisting families coping with this disease. Often we hear that donations do not make it to the ones in need but here in the Bulkley Valley they certainly do!
George was pre-deceased by his parents and had no siblings.
George is survived by his wife of 46 years Pauline, sons Chuck of Prince George, B.C., John (Lori) of Ottawa, Ontario, R. Grant (Shaylyn) of Red Deer, Alberta and daughter Brenda (Gilles Couture) of Montreal, Quebec. Three grandchildren, Emilie, Guillaume and Angus.